Testbench

Webcam test — press Start

Resolution—
Frame rate—fps
Aspect—
Megapixels—MP

Rear panel

CAM Webcam test

Measures
Live preview, real resolution and frame rate, snapshot
Browser API
getUserMedia · requestVideoFrameCallback
Known quirks
On Windows only one app can hold the camera at a time. Close Teams, Zoom or the Camera app first.

Operating procedure

Press Start and allow the camera. You'll see the live picture with the resolution and frame rate the browser actually gets.

  1. Press Start and choose Allow when the browser asks for the camera.
  2. Check the picture: focus, colour, exposure. The readouts show the resolution and frame rate actually delivered.
  3. With several cameras, pick one in Camera. Use Request to ask for 720p, 1080p or 4K and see whether it can deliver.
  4. Mirror flips the preview like a selfie view. Video calls usually send the un-mirrored image.
  5. Press Snapshot to grab a still and Save PNG to keep it. It never leaves your device.

Fault codes

  1. CAM-E1

    Black picture but the camera light is on

    Fix Many laptops have a sliding privacy shutter or a camera key (look for a camera icon on F8, F10 or the Fn row). Some Lenovo and HP models also have a software kill switch in their vendor app.

  2. CAM-E2

    "Device is busy" or the camera won't start

    Fix Only one app can use most webcams at a time on Windows. Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, OBS, the Camera app or other browser tabs using the camera, then press Start again.

  3. CAM-E3

    Permission was blocked

    Fix In Chrome or Edge, click the icon left of the address bar and set Camera to Allow. On macOS, also check System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera for your browser. On Windows 11, check Settings › Privacy & security › Camera and allow desktop apps.

  4. CAM-E4

    Resolution is lower than advertised

    Fix USB 2.0 ports, long cables and hubs can force a lower mode. Plug the camera straight into the computer and request 1080p again. Some cameras only reach full resolution at a lower frame rate.

  5. CAM-E5

    Frame rate is low (15 fps or less)

    Fix Most webcams lower the frame rate in dim light to get a brighter picture. Add light in front of you, or turn off "low light compensation" in the camera's own software.

Service notes

How can I check if my webcam is working?
Press Start and allow access. If you see yourself and the frame-rate readout moves, the camera works and the browser can use it. If the picture stays black, see the troubleshooting tips above.
Does this webcam test record or upload video?
No. The preview is drawn locally. A snapshot is only created when you press Snapshot and it stays in the page until you save it or close the tab.
Why does the resolution differ from my camera's box?
Browsers receive whatever mode the camera and USB link agree on. Many 1080p cameras default to 640 × 480 unless an app asks for more; use Request to ask for a higher mode.
Why is my picture mirrored?
The preview is mirrored by default because that feels natural, like a mirror. The other person on a call sees the normal, unflipped picture. Toggle Mirror to compare.
Can I test my phone's front and back camera?
Yes. Open this page on your phone, press Start, then pick the front or back camera in the Camera list.